On Tuesday morning, the Gozo Regional Development Authority, in collaboration with the Housing Authority, held its first Conference of the year, focusing on the Residential Rental Market in Gozo.
The Conference featured the presentation of key findings from a Discussion Paper on the subject, followed by a panel discussion that explored both the economic and social aspects of the topic.
Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri and the Housing Minister Roderick Galdes addressed the conference.
Camilleri said that the rental market in Gozo has “evolved over the last ten years. From a market aimed almost exclusively at tourism, it now attracts not only workers but also those who choose to retire to this island, thanks to better connectivity, such as the improved Gozo Channel service, the fast ferry and future projects such as the Airfield in Xewkija.”
Minister Camilleri noted that this Paper is another step towards effective cooperation between the authorities so that Gozo continues to “develop in a sustainable manner.” This while stressing the government’s ongoing work to address the affordability of rentals, particularly for those facing social challenges.
He mentioned the social housing project in tac-Cawla area, Victoria, “where apartments and recreational spaces have been developed for a stronger community.”
Minister Clint Camilleri also referred to the Park and Ride project in Ta’ Xhajma, which will help address the parking challenges at the Port of Mgarr. He said that, “These initiatives are part of a broader vision to make Gozo more accessible and sustainable for both residents and tourists”.
The Minister, “with a clear vision for quality tourism,” promised that “work will continue to implement a diversified economy and a strong rental market that reflects the socio-economic changes in Gozo.”
Minister Roderick Galdes stated that with the introduction of the Private Residential Tenancies Act in 2020, registered rents in Gozo “have increased drastically.”
He made reference to the reforms carried out in the rental sector in 2018 and 2021 respectively, “which reform is strong evidence of social and affordable housing.”
Galdes added that, “studies such as this establish a solid foundation for a constructive discussion on the needs of the rental market in Gozo in the coming months and years. As a government we will continue to demonstrate a proactive mentality not only by listening to what stakeholders have to say, but also by implementing what is necessary to continue improving the rental market in Malta and Gozo.”
Chief Executive of the Gozo Regional Development Authority, Mario Borg, stated that, “the Authority is promoting this discussion on the residential rental market as we believe that this subject has an important role that is closely linked to the three main points on which the Regional Development Strategy for Gozo is built, namely the sensible use of land, an economy that improves the quality of life, and the strengthening of the Gozitan identity.”
Photo: DOI